SAMPLING AND FOOD SAFETY

In carrying out food testing to arrive at ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’, sampling must be done. It is the amount of effort deployed in sampling and sample preparation that determines the reliability of test result. False positive or false negative  may be arrived at if sampling is not properly done. This may lead to loss of money invested in the production and integrity/good will. The latter may not easily be recovered over time

Samples must be Representative I e  Ensuring homogeneity

Ensuring relative size of sample to be taken

Reliability and intended use of expected result

The data got may be applied in the following

A labelling requirement

B assurance of compliance with stated standards

C monitoring production as part of HACCP

D routine quality control

Dele Fapohunda

10 December, 2022